The spinal column supports the skeletal framework, allows a person to easily bend, twist and move, while cushioning the sensitive nerves and spinal cord. Daily activities can affect the natural shape of the spine, distorting it and causing various complications. In some cases, chronic pain resulting from herniated discs and other major spine problems can require spinal surgery.
Alternative means of correcting spinal problems have been introduced by chiropractors that are considered to be less intrusive than surgeries. Meanwhile, a good posture and a healthy lifestyle work wonders in preventing these problems in the first place.
Over the last two decades, the advancements in medical science have paved the way for spinal surgery. More and more people now undergo surgery to get rid of their back-related issues. However, these surgeries have many complications associated with them.
Statistics of Complications and Death Risk
A recent study that was published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery confirmed that despite the benefits of spinal surgery, cases of failed back syndrome are on the rise that can have a considerable impact on the quality of life of patients after the surgical procedure.
This study identified individuals who had received one or more spinal surgeries for their back-related problems such as:
Disc Herniation
Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
In a period of three years, about 3,475 patients underwent some sort of a spinal surgery. Their age ranged from as low as 16 to as high as 90 years. The majority of people were men at 54% of the total number.
Aftermath of Surgery
The researchers then collected the data of these patients including any complications and even death rates as a result of the surgical procedure.
The rate of death as a result of surgery was found to be 0.03%, or 10 people out of 3,475 patients.
263 people reported having complications with a month of the surgery
The data also revealed that a higher age along with healing problems of surgical wounds contributed to the risk of death.
Following major complications were noted as a result of the surgery:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Sepsis
- Wound Infections
Making the Decision
The decision to undergo a spinal surgery is not an easy one. A failed surgery can result in complications for life. It is recommended to consult doctors and chiropractors to identify any other possibilities before deciding to go ahead with the surgery.
